TREATMENT OF SECONDARY POSTERIOR CAPSULAR MEMBRANES WITH THE ND-YAG LASER IN A PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Thirty-two eyes of 28 pediatric patients were treated with the H. S. M eridian Microruptor III Nd:YAG laser for secondary posterior capsular membranes after cataract extraction either with or without posterior c hamber intraocular lens implantation. This laser allows for 90-degree rotation of the laser delivery system to treat recumbent patients who may be under general endotracheal anesthesia. In all patients, at leas t a 5-mm axial capsulotomy was created. The energy requirements for th e procedure were related to the density of the membrane, which correla ted with the time lapse between cataract extraction and laser capsulot omy. A second laser capsulotomy was performed in eight eyes. NB:YAG ca psulotomy can be performed in a child of any age by using the Microrup tor III. For surgeons who choose to retain the posterior capsule in pe diatric cataract extraction, particularly after posterior chamber intr aocular lens implantation, this technique offers the noninvasive capab ility to create and maintain a clear visual axis.